isibindi
class 7, class 8
The Zulu word for courage is isibindi.
isibindi refers to the ability to do frightening things.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, isibindi means liver.
How does it change in a sentence?
Its plural form is izibindi.
When do people say it?
In Zulu culture, the liver is viewed as the seat of courage and bravery.
Did you know?
- When describing a coward, a Zulu speaker might refer to their liver being weak rather than their heart.
- The Zulu concept of courage is shared by other Southern African languages, such as Sotho with sebete and Venda with tshivhindi.
Examples in context
- Udinga isibindi ukubhekana nalesi simiso.You need courage to face this situation.
- Udinga isibindi ukukhuluma iqiniso.You need courage to tell the truth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “courage” translations and entries isibindi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries isibindi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
